Playing card vault

ABSTRACT

A card vault for attachment to an automatic card shuffling machine, card shoe, card verifying machine and card discard rack is disclosed. The card vault facilitates a system of reducing human handling of cards thereby reducing human error and cheating. Cards may be transferred in a card vault directly from the card verifying machine to an automatic card shuffling machine. After being dealt during one or more table games, the cards are placed in a discard rack and transferred to the card vault for transport to a card verifying machine where the deck is verified. The card vault and contained cards are tracked in substantially real-time using wireless technology such as a RFID transmitter and receiver.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/941,488 filed Jun. 1, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a playing card vaultfor use in casino environments.

BACKGROUND

Card shuffling machines are well-known in the art and have been used fordecades to randomly and automatically arrange playing cards. Card shoesand discard trays or racks are also well-known in the art and have beenused for decades to hold cards proximate a dealer so that the cards maybe dealt to players and used cards may be stored out of the way,respectively. There are also card verifying machines which are used toverify decks of cards including the rank and suit of cards forming oneor more decks.

Despite the numerous electronic devices now involved with card shufflingand dealing, there are times when cards are being needlessly handled bycasino personnel. Such card handling opens up opportunity for collusionbetween dealers and players and inadvertent mishandling of the cards.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to utilize a card holding device orvault for maintaining cards at all critical times except during thedealing process. In addition, the card vault should be universal in itsability to attach to various of the currently available card handlingdevices.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is a card vaultcomprising: four sides and a bottom defining a space adapted to receivea plurality of playing cards; an adjustable door configured to cover andexpose an opening opposite the bottom; and one or more lockingmechanisms adjacent to said defined space wherein said one or morelocking mechanisms are configured to removably attach said card vault toat least one of the following: an automatic card shuffling machine; acard shoe; a card verifying machine; and a card discard rack. In anotherembodiment, the card vault includes an identification tag such as a RFIDtag for tracking the location and movements of the card vault andcontained cards at all times.

A card tracking system of the present invention comprises: a card vaultadapted to attach to at least one of the following: an automatic cardshuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying machine; and a carddiscard rack; and means for tracking a location of said card vault.Another card tracking system of the present invention comprises: a cardvault adapted to attach to at least one of the following: an automaticcard shuffling machine; a card shoe; a card verifying machine; and acard discard rack; and means for recording data associated with saidcard vault.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention willbecome evident from the following detailed description, drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a card vaultof the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card vault ofthe present invention attached to an automatic card shuffling machine;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card vault ofthe present invention attached to a card shoe;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the card vault ofthe present invention attached to a card verifier;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the card vault ofthe present invention attached to a discard rack; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference willnow be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specificlanguage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normallyoccur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the inventionclaimed.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred toby like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cardvault generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The rectangularcard vault 100 includes two long walls 110, two short walls 120 and abottom 130 (collectively a housing) defining a card storage space 140.An adjustable door 150 conceals the card storage space 140 and any cardstherein. In one embodiment, the door 150 is slidably joined to the cardvault 100 via grooves 155 along inner surfaces of the long walls 110.Universal locking mechanisms 160 are integrated on the card vault 100adjacent to the card storage space 140. The locking mechanisms 160 maybe integrated on any or all walls of the card vault 100 and may numberone or more. The locking mechanisms 160 may be magnets, clips, snaps,ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks, grips or any other suitablemeans for attaching the card vault 100 to one or more card handlingdevices. As detailed below, the universal locking mechanisms 160 areused to removably attach the card vault 100 to multiple card devices,including electronic card devices. Optionally, a tracking device 170,like a RFID transmitter or tag, may be connected to the card vault 100to allow the location of the card vault 100 to be tracked by a RFIDreceiver.

FIG. 2 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card shuffler 180. Thelocking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100 engage a side edge 190 ofthe automatic card shuffling machine 180. Alternatively, lockingmechanisms (not shown) adjacent to the side edge 190 of the automaticcard shuffling machine 200 mate with the locking mechanisms 160 of thecard vault 100. As cards are shuffled they are ejected into the attachedcard vault 100. The card vault is then sealed and transported to a cardshoe 210 (shown in FIG. 3). The tracking device 170 can then beactivated to allow the location of the card vault 100, and importantlythe cards therewithin, to be tracked within a casino environment via oneor more terminals, hand-held devices or similar means incorporatingreceivers or transceivers configured to receive signals from saidtracking device 170. The received signals are then interpreted todetermine a substantially real-time location of the card vault 100.Alternatively, the tracking device 170 may be activated at all timessuch that it intermittently sends a tracking signal to allow thelocation and movements of the card vault 100 and contained cards to betracked via one or more terminals, hand-held devices or similar means.

Now referring to FIG. 3, the card vault 100 is shown attached to a cardshoe 210. The universal locking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100engage an upper surface or edge 220 of the card shoe 210. Alternatively,locking mechanisms (not shown) adjacent to the upper surface of edge 220of the card shoe 210 mate with the locking mechanisms 160 of the cardvault 100. Cards 230 in the card vault 100 fall into the card shoe 210as the door 150 to the card vault 100 is slid open.

FIG. 4 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card discard rack 240. Thecard discard rack 240 is positioned on a card table and used to depositcards which have been played in a hand by players and a dealer. Theuniversal locking mechanisms 160 of the card vault 100 attach to thediscard rack 240 so that as cards are placed therein the cards falldirectly into the card vault 100. In one embodiment, the discard rack ortray 240 rests flush on the gaming table and the card vault 100 hangsthereover. Supports (not shown) on the subject gaming table provide aplace for the card vault 100 to rest. Optionally, the discards can beplaced directly into the card vault 100 that is positioned on the cardtable. Thereafter, the card vault 100 is sealed for transport to thecasino's backroom where the process is repeated or the cards aredestroyed or prepared for sale. During the transport to the casino'sbackroom, the tracking device 170 can be activated to allow the locationof the card vault 100 to be tracked. Alternatively, the tracking device170 may be activated at all times such that it intermittently sends atracking signal to allow the location and movements of the card vault100 and contained cards to be tracked.

FIG. 5 shows the card vault 100 attached to a card verifying device 250like the Deckchecker manufactured and sold by the present applicant. TheDeckchecker verifies the integrity of card decks. More particularly, theDeckchecker counts the number of cards and determines the rank and suitof each card it receives. As shown, the card vault 100 is attached to aside, output portion of the card verifying device 250. So, as the cardsare verified, the cards are output into the card vault 100. The cardvault 100 may be attached to the card verifying device 250 after theshuffling process or after the cards have been used in play or both.

Advantageously, use of the card vault 100 limits human contact with thecards to game play thereby minimizing collusion or inadvertentmishandling of the cards. Also, with the tracking device 170 integratedon the card vault 100, the location of the cards may be tracked insubstantially real-time throughout a casino environment at nearly alltimes. The universal locking mechanisms 160 allow a single card vaultdesign to engage an automatic card shuffling machine, card shoe, carddiscard rack and card verifying machine.

In one practical example the card vault 100 is attached to the outputsection of the automatic card shuffling machine 180 such that cards areshuffled into the card vault 100. Shuffle data and a card vault ID,location, date and time are reported to a tracking system. Suchreporting may be triggered automatically by the attachment of the cardvault 100 to the card handling device. Alternatively, the reporting maybe manually triggered by the casino personnel causing the attachmentsuch as, for example, pressing a signal button on the card vault 100 orcard shuffling machine 180. In such an embodiment, the card vault 100may include a processor, storage device, power supply, user interface101 and display 102. Casino personnel may then utilize the userinterface to input or record data such as shuffle data and a card vaultID, location, date and time. The data can then be sent by a transmitterto a system receiver. The cards may be verified by a card verifier(e.g., Deckchecker) or the automatic card shuffling machine 180 mayintegrate such capabilities. The verifying data may also be reported tothe tracking system as described above. The card vault 100 is thensealed. A seal may also incorporate a RFID tag or similar device. Theshuffling and verifying of the cards takes place in a casino backroom orother designated area. The sealed card vault 100 is then transported toa designated gaming table. The movement of the sealed card vault 100 istracked from the backroom to the gaming table. At the gaming table, thecard vault 100 is unsealed and attached directly to the card shoe 210.At this time, the card vault ID is reported to the tracking system asset forth above. The same or a separate card vault is attached to thecard discard rack 240. In one embodiment, the card shoe 210 includes anelectronic reader for identifying the cards as they are removed from thecard shoe 210. After the cards have been used to play game, they areplaced into the card discard rack 240 which may also include anelectronic reader for once again verifying the played cards. Once thecards from the card shoe 210 are exhausted or played to a cut card, thecard vault attached to the card discard rack 240, which contains all theplayed cards, is removed and sealed. The card vault ID, location, dateand time are reported to the tracking system as set forth above. Thesealed vault holding the played cards is then returned to the backroomso the cards may again go through the cycle. If the cards aresufficiently worn, they may be destroyed or prepared for sale to casinopatrons.

The tracking system may be a local area wireless network whichcommunicates with the casino management system or other casino systems.In one embodiment, one or more user terminals having displays allowcasino personnel to locate all card vaults in substantially real-time.Hand-held devices with displays may also be used to locate the cardvaults. A storage device integrated into the tracking system alsomaintains a record of the location of each card and a corresponding timestamp. The tracking procedure may take many forms including the use oftransmitters and receivers (or transceivers), RFID technology or GPStechnology.

In another embodiment, the card vault 100 includes a card retention andrelease mechanism designed to hold the cards in the card vault 100 untilthe card vault 100 is connected to a card handling device (e.g.,automatic card shuffling device). A card retention and release mechanismmay comprise a spring-biased arm which contacts one end of the cardstack contained in the card vault 100 thereby retaining the cards 230 inthe card vault 100 via pressure. Upon connecting the card vault 100 tothe card handling device, the spring-biased arm is released mechanicallyand/or electronically allowing the cards to release into the cardhandling device. The release may be manually or automatically triggered.Other retention and release mechanisms can be used.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toseveral embodiments, additional variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A card vault comprising: four sides and a bottom defining a spaceadapted to receive a plurality of playing cards; an adjustable doorconfigured to cover and expose an opening opposite the bottom; and oneor more locking mechanisms adjacent to said defined space wherein saidone or more locking mechanisms are configured to removably attach saidcard vault to at least one of the following: an automatic card shufflingmachine; a card shoe; a card verifying machine; and a card discard rack.2. The card vault of claim 1 further comprising a tracking device onsaid card vault operable to allow the location and movement of the cardvault to be tracked in substantially real-time.
 3. The card vault ofclaim 1 wherein said tracking device is a RFID transmitter.
 4. The cardvault of claim 1 wherein the adjustable door is slidably joined to thecard vault.
 5. The card vault of claim 1 wherein said one or morelocking mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of clips,snaps, ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks and grips.
 6. The cardvault of claim 1 further comprising a processor, storage device, powersupply, user interface and display.
 7. The card vault of claim 1 furthercomprising a retention and release mechanism.
 8. A card vaultcomprising: a housing defining a space adapted to retain playing cards;closure means for accessing and closing an opening in said housing; andlocking means operable to removably attach said card vault to at leastone of the following: an automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe;a card verifying machine; and a card discard rack.
 9. The card vault ofclaim 8 further comprising a tracking device on said card vault operableto allow the location and movement of the card vault to be tracked insubstantially real-time.
 10. The card vault of claim 9 wherein saidtracking device is a RFID transmitter.
 11. The card vault of claim 8wherein said closure means is an adjustable door slidably joined to thecard vault.
 12. The card vault of claim 8 wherein said locking meansincludes clips, snaps, ribs, clamps, latches, fasteners, hooks andgrips.
 13. The card vault of claim 8 further comprising a processor,storage device, power supply, user interface and display.
 14. The cardvault of claim 8 further comprising a retention and release mechanism.15. A card tracking system comprising: a card vault adapted to attach toat least one of the following: an automatic card shuffling machine; acard shoe; a card verifying machine; and a card discard rack; and meansfor tracking a location of said card vault.
 16. The system of claim 15wherein said means for tracking a location of said card vault comprisesa transmitter on said card vault and a remote receiver.
 17. The systemof claim 16 wherein said transmitter is a RFID transmitter.
 18. Thesystem of claim 15 further comprising means for transmitting said datato a casino management system.
 19. The card vault of claim 15 furthercomprising a retention and release mechanism.
 20. A card tracking systemcomprising: a card vault adapted to attach to at least one of thefollowing: an automatic card shuffling machine; a card shoe; a cardverifying machine; and a card discard rack; and means for recording dataassociated with said card vault.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein saidmeans for recording data associated with said card vault comprises aprocessor, storage device, power supply, user interface and display. 22.The system of claim 20 further comprising means for transmitting saiddata to a casino management system.